Where to start? Student loans, monthly bills, work assignments, projects {at home/at work}, cleaning the house, re-organising etc... Big or small, each task takes time, and while sometimes it may seem easy to escape them by just avoiding them altogether, in the end, the result is nevertheless not a good one. A feeling of "ICK." Otherwise known as "a case of the mean reds!" - as Holly Golightly liked to refer to them on Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Whilst it's easy for a girl in her mid twenties to get swept away with stress... I've learned there are plenty of ways to avoid the mean reds, and the feeling of "ick". It's taken me some time and I am still learning, I do admit, but finally I've come to grips with the fact that I cannot control everything around me. However, when it comes to the things that I can control, it needs to be done tactfully and in a timely manner so as to avoid any unwanted stress!
The other day I jotted down all the ways I keep my creativity alive, and while that is a very important skill to hone, I'd say managing stress levels is key to the rate of anyone's success even more so. My grandmother {Nonnie} was always keen on making lists, one of the many things she has instilled in me.. so I figure, I might as well share that trick with others as she has with me.
Ways to {manage} stress //
:: make a list of what is bothering you
:: decipher what you can change on this list
:: make a list of what makes you happy
:: figure out how you can do more of what makes you happy
{this is one of the key ways to staying de-stressed.}
:: make a list of everything you have to do
{write this list in order of most important to least - otherwise go back and number}
:: cross off each task as you complete it on your lists
:: create time tables to manage your time and tasks efficiently
:: be sure to book YOU time
:: ask for help when you need it - no question is a stupid question {thanks Dad}
:: create automatic payment methods to stay on top of bills
:: every person can benefit from routine, create one at work/school/home/gym
:: exercise - I admit, I'm still working on making time for this one
:: acknowledge what is stressing you - ignoring it will create more problems
:: surround yourself with positive people + positive energy
:: catch up on sleep - don't skimp out!
:: step away from the technology
:: practice breathing exercises
:: be open to new ideas
:: count to 10
:: yoga
This list hardly covers all of the bases - but it highlights a few key ideas on how to remove stress from your daily routine. No one is perfect - stress is common, especially once you exit college and begin to officially step out and manage your life on your own. Keep your chin up, and keep fighting for your dreams, but don't let the little stuff in between get in the way, there is always an answer for everything and people ready to help you find it. "The only questions that go unanswered are the ones that are never asked." - {again, thanks Dad}
positive peggy,
